The latest financial report from Castrol India reveals promising Q4CY23 results, with noteworthy year-on-year (YoY) and quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) margin expansions. Sandeep Sangwan, the Managing Director of Castrol India Limited, shared insights and discussed the company’s financial performance and new initiatives in an exclusive interview with ET Now.
Financial Performance of Castrol India
Castrol India reported robust financials for the period ending December 2023. Revenues crossed 5,75 crores, marking a 6% increase. Profit Before Tax (PBT) witnessed an 8% rise, reaching 1181 crores. This impressive performance is attributed to strategic initiatives and effective management.
Dividend Announcement:
In celebration of Castrol’s 125th global anniversary and 115 years in India, the board recommended a dividend of 7.50 INR. This reflects a commitment to providing returns to shareholders who have stayed invested in the company.
New Initiatives:
Castrol India introduced key initiatives in the second half of 2023. Pragati Paala, targeting the truck drivers’ community, and India’s Ultimate Moto Star, catering to bike enthusiasts, were among the launches. The company expanded its Castrol Auto Service network and ventured into rural markets, covering approximately 30,000 outlets.
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Volume Growth:
Despite challenges in 2022 due to inflation and necessary price increases, Castrol India experienced low double-digit volume growth in Q4CY23. The company adjusted pricing to balance volume and margin growth, contributing to the positive performance.
Margin Expansion:
Castrol India witnessed a notable expansion in margins, both sequentially and annually. The increased volumes played a significant role in achieving this, along with effective cost management. The company aims to maintain a Beta margin within the range of 23% to 26%.
Outlook and Future Plans:
Sandeep Sangwan expressed confidence in the Indian economy’s performance while acknowledging potential geopolitical impacts on the business environment. The company remains vigilant in its decisions to drive topline growth and protect margins in the face of uncertainties.
EV Product Expansion:
Castrol India is actively involved in the electric vehicle (EV) segment, supplying EV fluids to major Indian manufacturers. The parent company, Castrol Global, has invested in an R&D facility focusing on thermal management. The company sees opportunities in thermal management fluids, especially in data centers and battery-related technologies.
Dividend Payout:
Castrol India has maintained a consistent dividend payout ratio of around 80% plus. The management is optimistic about the business’s continued success, reaffirming its commitment to providing returns to shareholders.
Conclusion:
Castrol India’s Q4CY23 results showcase a resilient performance marked by robust financials, strategic initiatives, and an optimistic outlook. The company’s ability to navigate challenges and adapt to market dynamics underscores its commitment to delivering value to shareholders and consumers alike. As Castrol India continues to innovate and expand its product portfolio, investors can anticipate sustained growth and consistent returns in the future.